Majene Police Investigate Case 42 Toddlers Of Additional Food Toxics

Majene District Police, West Sulawesi (Sulbar), investigated cases of suspected poisoning of 42 toddlers while consuming nutritious additional food at the Pamboang District office, Majene Regency.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit AKP Budi Adi said the Majene Police took quick action by investigating the poisoning case of 42 Toddlers in Pamboang District, District, which occurred on Monday (6/5).

Cases of alleged child poisoning reportedly occurred, at the launch of nutritious additional food held by the Majene Regency Women's Empowerment Office for Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3APPKB).

The police have taken information from a number of parties who distributed the food, as well as taken information regarding the initial incident, so that the food poisoning is suspected.

"Based on initial information, BP3APPKB has distributed 200 servings of nutritious additional food in two servings, for the consumption of toddlers and pregnant women, so that cases of suspected poisoning occur," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 8.

He conveyed that 42 children under five who were suspected of being poisoned had received medical treatment at the Pamboang Health Center, Majene District.

"Children under five are suspected of having been poisoned, on average, aged two years and experiencing complaints, namely vomiting more than 10 times, and experiencing diarrhea 3-4 times, and stomach pain and fever," he said.

The medical team from the Pamboang Health Center who treated the toddlers had stated that the toddler child was poisoned due to being contaminated with foodstuffs served.

Majene Police have secured samples of food consumed by toddlers suspected of being poisoned, and have been examined by the West Sulawesi POM Agency as a need for investigation.

"This incident shows the importance of strict supervision of the process of preparing and presenting additional food, especially for toddlers and pregnant women," he said.

In addition, the need for stricter supervision to ensure the safety and quality of food provided in every government event, so as not to pose a health risk for its participants.